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By Andrew Stanton and Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump said Monday that White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early‑stage breast cancer and has begun treatment, adding that her prognosis is “excellent” and that she plans to continue working from the White House during her treatment.
Trump said Wiles, 68, chose to begin treatment immediately and will remain at the White House virtually full time, praising her resilience and commitment to the job. He said she is being treated by a strong medical team and that he and first lady Melania Trump support her as she continues her work as one of his closest advisers.
The president posted on Truth Social, "Susie Wiles is an incredible Chief of Staff, a great person, and one of the strongest people I know but, unfortunately, she has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, and has decided to take on this challenge, IMMEDIATELY, as opposed to waiting."
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“Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” Wiles said in a statement. "Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work, and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.”
Trump continued, "She has a fantastic medical team, and her prognosis is excellent! During the treatment period, she will be spending virtually full time at the White House, which makes me, as President, very happy!"
Trump said during a meeting on Monday she is going to be in "great shape" and has an "excellent" prognosis.
"She's an amazing person and an amazing fighter. She announced a minor difficulty which will be in good shape. Good shape. She will be around for a long time. She has a diagnosis, you probably saw it. She's going to take care of immediately as opposed to waiting. She said, 'Let's do it now.' I said, 'Do it immediately. Because with that particular ailment, the faster the better,"' he said.
Who Is Susie Wiles?
Prior to serving as Trump’s chief of staff, Wiles had a lengthy career in Republican politics including as a senior campaign adviser in his 2024 presidential run. She was viewed as having played a key role in helping Trump secure his return to the White House. She also served as his Florida campaign chair in 2016. Wiles, the first woman to be White House chief, also served in his 2020 campaign as an adviser for the Republican National Convention.
She also served on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2018 campaign. The Tampa Bay Times reported that she was brought on at a tumultuous time in the campaign and that he began to improve his polling numbers after she joined on. She also served as campaign manager for Florida Senator Rick Scott's 2010 gubernatorial race.
Wiles entered national politics starting as a staffer for Representative Jack Kemp in Washington, D.C. in the late 1970s. She joined Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign and later worked for Labor Secretary Raymond J. Donovan.
WIles generally keeps a low profile but drew attention following a Vanity Affair profile published about her late last year.
In the article, Wiles is quoted as saying President Donald Trump had "an alcoholic’s personality" and that Attorney General Pam Bondi had "completely whiffed" in her initial handling of the release of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation files.
Wiles and others in the White House, however, disputed the reporting.
"The article published early this morning is a disingenuously framed hit piece on me and the finest President, White House staff, and Cabinet in history," Wiles said in a statement posted to X. "Significant context was disregarded and much of what I, and others, said about the team and the President was left out of the story. I assume, after reading it, that this was done to paint an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative about the President and our team."
Is Susie Wiles Resigning as Trump's Chief of Staff?
Trump wrote to Truth Social that she will "continue doing the job she loves."
"Her Strength and her Commitment to continue doing the job she loves, and does so well, while undergoing treatment, tells you everything you need to know about her. Susie, as one of my closest and most important advisors, is tough and deeply committed to serving the American People. She will soon be better than ever! Melania and I are with her in every way, and we look forward to working with Susie on the many big and wonderful things that are happening for the benefit of our Country!" Trump wrote.
Who Is Susie Wiles' Husband?
Susie Wiles was married to her husband Lanny Wiles from 1984 to 2017, when they divorced, reported People magazine. They have two daughters together. He has also worked in politics including on John McCain’s 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns. Both worked for Reagan.
What People Are Saying
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post to X: "Susie Wiles epitomizes what it means to be a strong leader. She is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Susie led President Trump’s historic 2024 comeback campaign and is now spearheading the most successful administration in history. I know I speak for the President and the entire White House when I say that we are all praying for Susie and rallying behind her as she prepares to fight this battle against breast cancer."
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, a Republican, wrote to X: "Susie Wiles has been—and will continue to be—an outstanding Chief of Staff to @POTUS. The American people are well-served by her leadership and commitment to our country. Nebraska joins America in praying for Susie and rooting for a successful recovery."
Senator Katie Boyd, an Alabama Republican, wrote to X: "Please join Wesley and me as we pray for strength and healing for Susie and support for her family, friends, and loved ones. Susie is the best of the best, and we know she’s going to give this fight everything she’s got and come out on top."
Representative Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican who serves as majority whip, wrote to X: "Susie is a powerhouse and exceptional leader. We're praying for Susie and her family as she fights this battle."
Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, wrote to X: "I’ve just heard the news about White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles. My deep sympathies are with her as she navigates kicking breast cancer’s ass. Keeping her and her family in my thoughts."
Update 3/16/2026, 1:01 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 3/16/2026, 2:52 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information and remarks.
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